Dear Mom...It's Not Your Fault

I know you blame yourself for me being in prison. Don’t. It’s not your fault.

I know you believe you must have done something wrong that resulted in my incarceration, but you didn’t do anything wrong. It was my bad choices that landed me here. It’s not your fault.

I know you feel embarrassed to have a child in prison. You’re always worried people will judge you because of my foolish mistakes. But don’t let anyone judge you. It’s not your fault.

I know you feel guilty about your parenting mistakes. Well…you know what momma, no parent is perfect. You have nothing to feel guilty about. It’s not your fault.

You did a good job raising me. You worked hard, sometimes juggling multiple jobs, and yet you still made time for me. You were always there for me, and I’m sorry I didn’t appreciate that.

You often went without certain things in order to make sure my needs were met, and I’m sorry I didn’t recognize that back then.

You stood by me through my problems, through my trial, through my sentencing, and now you’re standing by me through my incarceration. You’ve always been there for me, and I wish it hadn’t taken me going to prison to realize that.

I’m sorry mom for putting you through all of this. I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you. I’m sorry about all the things I was hiding from you. I’m sorry for the lies, anger, and betrayal.

But more than anything I’m sorry that I’m not there in person to tell you, “Happy Mother’s Day, and that I love you.”

I trust we’ll see each other again soon, but until then know that I’m thinking about you this Mother’s Day.

I love you,

Your Child

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